Cue the Justin Timberlake meme, because once the clock strikes midnight Wednesday night, we’ve hit a mystical fifth season that only passes through Indiana.

It brings rain – often times in the form of torrential downpours – as well as steamy 90-degree temps. Smells of burning rubber, tenderloins in the fryer and ethanol mix with the road of engines, the screams of 350,000 people and the faint but ever-present base of EDM music. Black-and-white checkered patterns is the unofficial outfit of choice – bandana, t-shirt, shorts, socks, hat, shoes…you name it.

Advertisement

Eleven months out of the year, I say I’m the motorsports reporter for IndyStar, but from May 1-31, my beat is the Indianapolis 500 – the world’s largest single-day sporting event in the world long dubbed the Greatest Spectacle in Racing, hosted at the Racing Capital of the World. It’s a beat that grows from trying to capture a sport to covering both the cars on-track as well as the way in which a city reverberates around a sporting event with more than 100 years of history that has withstood two world wars, four ownership groups and started with the first rear-view mirror and now this year will feature hybrid technology for the first time.

Hybrid, crashes, what’s next?: 5 takeaways from Indianapolis 500 open test week

And this year, we’ve got Kyle Larson’s second attempt at ‘The Double’, Josef Newgarden’s quest to go back-to-back-to-back, Helio Castroneves’ drive for five and efforts from IndyCar’s world-famous star Pato O’Ward, its two-time defending champ Alex Palou and possibly a Formula 1-bound Colton Herta to hoist the Borg-Warner Trophy for the very first time. It’s Fox’s first 500 broadcast, likely the Indianapolis Motor Speedway’s first grandstand sellout in nine years and a sporting event so captivating, it may for the first time attract a race-day visit from a sitting U.S. president.

For a sport that has felt as it’s been waiting to launch for several years now, this May’s Indy 500 sits in a position where it could serve as that proverbial match.

Advertisement

So let’s talk about it. I’m Nathan Brown, IndyStar’s motorsports reporter who’s been on the ground traveling with and covering the IndyCar series since the fall of 2019 – just weeks before Roger Penske took control of a sport his Team Penske dynasty had dominated at times for half a century. I’m hosting a Reddit ‘Ask Me Anything’ at 1 p.m. on Thursday, May 1 to answer your questions about the state of IndyCar and the leadup to the 2025 Indy 500.

Don’t have Indy 500 tickets yet?: Better hurry as sellout nears, IMS president Doug Boles says

I’ve attended a dozen 500s, both as a fan first in the early 2000s growing up in central Indiana with 500-obsessed parents and then a reporter when my wife and I moved to Indianapolis nearly six years ago. And during my time in the media center, I’m hard pressed to say I’ve had what you’d consider to be a ‘normal’ 500 experience, from the fan-less August edition in 2020, to Helio’s history in 2021, the return of full fan attendance in 2022, the never-before-seen late-race red flag in 2023 and Josef’s last-lap magic in 2024 that followed a four-hour rain delay and a checkered flag falling at the beginnings of dusk.

Advertisement

In some ways, that’s why I love this sport – and more specifically, this month and this race – is the 500’s unpredictability, its drama, the emotions it all elicits and the culture that envelopes everything ‘Indy 500’ each May. The successes of the Colts, Pacers and Fever can ebb and flow as Super Bowls and Final Fours come and go, but there’s only one Indy 500, and I’m looking forward to diving into your questions about it from each and every angle on Thursday at 1 p.m.

In the meantime, sign up to get the IndyStar’s motorsports newsletter delivered straight to your inbox every week so you don’t miss out on any of our award-winning Indy 500 coverage this month. And if you don’t already, please consider subscribing to IndyStar for just $1 for your first month.

This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Motorsports reporter Nathan Brown on Reddit AMA, Indy 500 questions

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Kyle Busch was hyped for NASCAR greatness long before he was a teenager by his Hall of Fame nominee brother, who vowed “if you think I’m good, wait until you see my little brother.”

Busch’s debut in a NASCAR national series race was delayed, though, when he turned up at California Speedway in 2001 intent to run the Truck Series race. He dominated practice in a race sponsored by Marlboro but, because he was only 16 at the time, was ruled ineligible to compete over NASCAR’s interpretation of the 1998 Tobacco Master Settlement Agreement.

The MSA prohibited individuals under 18 from participating in events sponsored by tobacco companies. And because NASCAR at the time was sponsored by Winston, the series eventually adopted its own rule six weeks later implementing a minimum age requirement of 18 that began in 2002.

Busch had no choice but to move to the American Speed Association National Tour, and then ARCA after graduating early from his Las Vegas high school.

Fast-forward to Friday when Busch celebrates his 40th birthday as a two-time Cup Series champion headed to Texas Motor Speedway with 232 national series victories. Kurt Busch, his older brother by seven years and a nominee last week to next year’s Hall of Fame class, has one Cup title and 43 career national series victories.

Busch can now laugh at his experience 24 years ago at California Speedway, where he went on to win five Cup races, including the last one in 2023 before the track was shuttered by NASCAR.

“Shut that place down,” he said, noting the irony that he’s now sponsored by zone nicotine pouches, which has an additional relationship with online retailer Nicokick. “Full circle moment.”

Busch celebrated his birthday early — over the Easter weekend, which was NASCAR’s only break of the 38-race schedule — with a vacation with wife, Samantha. They left their two children home and Samantha made a heartfelt social media post honoring her husband.

“Early celebration for Kyle’s big 4-0, love ya babe,” Samantha wrote, sharing a picture of herself and her husband at dinner on a beachfront. In a separate image, Kyle could also be seen with a small chocolate cake in front of him with a candle burning.

Busch said he and Samantha “made the most of it” even though he finds it difficult to unwind.

“Just a nice little quiet time, tried to disconnect, that’s not easy for me to do,” Busch said. “So I’m still kind of doing some work from afar, emails and things like that.”

And as for turning 40? Well, he wasn’t exactly thrilled. Busch is in his 23rd season in the Cup Series, and although he joined Richard Childress Racing in 2023 and won three races, he went winless in Cup last year for the first time in his career and missed the playoffs. His losing streak headed to Texas is an eye-popping 67 races.

“I remember turning 30 and thinking that was going to be it,” Busch said. “It is what it is. Samantha has made the best of that for me where we celebrated my birthday on that trip. I don’t feel much older than I did five, six years ago. So that’s the good part of it. And I’m in pretty decent shape, so thankful for all of that.”

Busch briefly considered retirement at the end of the 2022 season when he parted ways with Joe Gibbs Racing, where he for now is the winningest driver in team history with Denny Hamlin closing in on his mark. Now, he’d like to race at least until his son, Brexton, turns 18 and the two can compete against each other in NASCAR.

___

AP auto racing: https://apnews.com/hub/auto-racing

The Hofstra student-run Motorsports Engineering Club is taking over the University’s North Campus parking lot, adjacent to HofUSA, on Saturday, May 3, 11 a.m.-4 p.m., for their annual car show, featuring more than 200 domestic and foreign-made vehicles.

Visitors can expect to see a wide array of makes and models, including Ferraris, Porches, Lamborghinis, and modified Jeeps, Hondas, Toyotas, Fords and Chevys. Also on site will be vendors, racing simulations, and raffle prizes.

Jack McMillan ’27, vice president of MEC and the owner of a 2016 Dodge Charger, says the members of this decade-old club share a lifelong passion for cars and racing. “This outdoor show is always our largest event of the year, but every semester we do different programs on campus and off, including roadtrips to Montauk and Bear Mountain.”

MEC secretary Hunter Wile ’26 plans to show his ’96 Chevy Blazer and an ’88 Ford Mustang that he shares with his father. An anthropology major, Wile said that as a commuter student, he was excited to find a campus club where he can share his enthusiasm for cars with like-minded friends.

“A lot of people who come to our events have spent hours and hours tuning and modifying their cars,” Wile said. “This event is a great way to show off their work to an audience that understands and appreciates the patience, talent, and time it takes to customize a vehicle.”

Trophies will be given in a number of “best of” categories, including domestic, foreign, 4×4, classic, and supercar. Event sponsors include Blackbird Kitchen, Curbside Detailing, Crash Collision, Gintani, Honda City, Limitless Auto Group, Martino Auto Concepts, Northeast Drivers Club, Redz Shop, Supercar Sunday, Rustic Root Kitchen, and Uncle Franks Woodfire Pizza.

Admission to the show is free for spectators. The registration fee to show a vehicle is $15 in advance and $20 (cash only) at the gate. Credit cards and digital payments are not accepted on the day of the event. To preregister a vehicle visit linktr.ee/hofstramotorsports.

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — The two teams suing NASCAR asked a judge to dismiss the sanctioning body’s counterclaim in court Wednesday.

In a 20-page filing in district court in North Carolina, 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports opposed NASCAR’s motion to amend its original counterclaim. The teams argued that the need to amend the counterclaim further demonstrates the weakness of NASCAR’s arguments, calling them an attempt by NASCAR to distract and shift attention away from its own unlawful, monopolistic actions.

NASCAR’s counterclaim singled out Michael Jordan’s longtime business manager, Curtis Polk. Jordan is co-owner of 23XI Racing.

The legal battle began after more than two years of negotiations on new charter agreements — NASCAR’s equivalent of a franchise model — and the 30-page filing contends that Polk “willfully” violated antitrust laws by orchestrating anticompetitive collective conduct in connection with the most recent charter agreements.

23XI and Front Row were the only two organizations out of 15 that refused to sign the new agreements, which were presented to the teams last September in a take-it-or-leave-it offer a mere 48 hours before the start of NASCAR’s playoffs.

The charters were fought for by the teams ahead of the 2016 season and twice have been extended. The latest extension is for seven years to match the current media rights deal and guarantee 36 of the 40 spots in each week’s field to the teams that hold the charters, as well as other financial incentives. 23XI and Front Row refused to sign and sued, alleging NASCAR and the France family that owns the stock car series are a monopoly.

NASCAR already has lost one round in court in which the two teams have been recognized as chartered organizations for the 2025 season as the legal dispute winds through the courts. NASCAR has also appealed a judge’s rejection of its motion to dismiss the case.

JR Motorsports has provided an update on Connor Zilisch’s playoff eligibility after confirming that the 18-year-old driver will miss the Texas NASCAR Xfinity Series race due to a back injury.

The Dale Earnhardt Jr.-led team confirmed in a statement that, “Connor Zilisch has been granted a playoff waiver by NASCAR and remains qualified for the 2025 NXS Playoffs.”

To be eligible for the playoffs, drivers have to be competing full-time. As Zilisch is only out of the race weekend due to an injury/medical reason, this decision from NASCAR was expected.

Zilisch was leading the final lap of the NASCAR Xfinity race at Talladega last weekend when he was hit from behind by Jesse Love. The tap from the Richard Childress Racing driver sent Zilisch into a spin before he crashed into the barriers head-on. Continuing to cascade across the track, he eventually came to a stop. After visiting the infield medical center, he explained that he was “grateful to be walking.”

What drivers have said about the Zilisch x Love wreck

Connor Zilisch

Speaking after the race, Zilisch explained:

“Yeah, I’m okay.

“That’s one of the wrecks where you move your legs and make sure everything feels okay afterwards. So, very grateful to drive safe JR Motorsports race cars.

“Our WeatherTech Chevrolet was as fast as Xfinity Mobile. We were in the right spot, just, yeah, I haven’t really watched it close enough to know what happened. But yeah, grateful to be up and walking.”

He added a day later:

“Sore today but more than anything just upset that I couldn’t close that one out for my team. If we keep putting ourselves in position to win races, it will come. Thank you to everyone who reached out to make sure I was okay.”

Jesse Love

Love, who is close friends with Zilisch, commented directly after the race:

“I just got really good pushes there at the end.

“I was able to lift enough off of [Turn] 2 to get big pushes. I kind of thought we made our bed and were not in a good spot to win, and then I was able to get Austin [Hill] connected to me and he was able to give me some good pushes down the backstretch for a few laps. It was definitely tough how that ended. I hope my friend is okay.

“I’m not going to comment on what I thought happened there yet. I just want to go check on him and make sure he’s alright. Looked like a really hard hit, and he really hasn’t taken many hard hits yet.”

Dale Earnhardt Jr.

Earnhardt Jr. also shared a message of encouragement for his team’s driver, writing:

“It sucks to see Connor have to sit out but I’m thankful he is being smart and patient with this injury.

“He’ll be back in the seat and back at the front of the field soon enough.”

When Ryan Preece flipped violently at Daytona International Speedway in the summer of 2023, NASCAR was not shy in their reaction, quickly moving to remove the grass from the entire backstretch at the superspeedway. 

Thankfully, no one went up and over at Talladega, but Christopher Bell and Chris Buescher crashed fairly hard at the exit of Turn 2 on a mid-race restart. Bell slammed the inside wall head-on, completely destroying the front of his No. 20 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota. Buescher’s impact looked less severe, but he still radioed about how much it hurt afterwards. They crashed into an unusual section of the wall as it actually juts out at an angle towards the race track to make room for an opening behind where emergency vehicles come and go.

Despite not even reaching full speed, the impacts were severe, and Bell’s crash is not the first of its kind in that spot on the 2.66-mile superspeedway. Both Bell and Buescher were checked and released from the infield care center.

On the weekly NASCAR podcast, Hauler Talk, the sport’s senior director of racing communications Amanda Ellis revealed that the wall be altered before NASCAR returns to Talladega later this year during the playoffs.

“That wall will be adjusted or essentially corrected before we return in the fall,” she revealed. “They are going to take that lip out and actually straighten it out, and kind of straighten the wall that leads into that as well. Fix that area, and there is an additional area of the track too that will also be fixed before we return to Talladega.”

Mike Forde, the managing director of racing communications for NASCAR, elaborated on that, adding: “That wall is a wreck magnet. For some reason, that area has been hit often. There is a wall there because there is an access road right behind it where we have emergency vehicles stationed, so if there is a wreck on the backstretch, they can easily get there. So, that’s why that wall is there in the first place.

“But right now, it’s at a five degree angle — it might even be a little bit more than that. So, planning that out and making it more of a straight edge should help as far as the significance of these wrecks. That’s one of those things that we’re going to fix over the summer and for October, you’ll see a new wall there.”